In addition to its effects on the immune system and quality of life, reishi mushroom has been studied for its potential to improve other aspects of health.
4. Heart health and blood sugar
A number of studies looking at people with both healthy and unhealthy levels of blood sugar and lipids found that reishi mushroom may help decrease blood sugar, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides
At least one older study in healthy adults showed a slight trend toward lower lipid levels, but this was not statistically significant.
Additionally, some other studies have found no effect of reishi supplementation on cholesterol or triglyceride levels
Therefore, more research is needed.
Meanwhile, some older animal and human studies also suggest that certain compounds found in the reishi mushroom could decrease blood sugar
On the other hand, a 2016 study found no effect of reishi supplementation on fasting blood sugar or hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control
Therefore, more research is needed here as well.
5. Antioxidant status
Antioxidants are molecules that can help protect cells against damage that reishi mushroom is effective at improving antioxidant status.
However, several older studies have found no change in the levels of important antioxidant enzymes in the blood after consuming reishi for 4–12 weeks
SUMMARYSome research suggests that reishi mushroom could improve HDL cholesterol and blood sugar. However, other studies indicate that it does not improve cholesterol, blood sugar, or antioxidant levels.
Unlike some foods or supplements, the dose of reishi mushroom can vary depending on which type is used.
Commonly, a dried extract of the mushroom is used. In these cases, the dose is approximately 10 times less than when the mushroom itself is consumed .
For example, 50 grams (g) of reishi mushroom itself may be comparable to approximately 5 g of mushroom extract. Doses of the mushroom extract vary but typically range from approximately 1.5–9 g per day
Additionally, some supplements use only certain portions of the extract. In these cases, the recommended doses may be much lower than the values reported above.
SUMMARY
The dose of reishi mushroom varies based on the specific form. Consuming the mushroom itself provides higher doses, while extracts provide lower doses.
Despite its popularity, some have questioned the safety of reishi mushroom.
Some research found that those who took reishi mushroom for 4 months were almost twice as likely to experience minor side effects as those taking a placebo
Other research found that taking reishi mushroom extract for 4 weeks did not produce any detrimental effects on the liver or kidneys in healthy adults
On the other hand, significant liver problems have been reported in several case studies
Still, because other factors were involved, it can be difficult to determine if the mushroom itself was responsible for the observed liver damage.
Nevertheless, there are several groups of people who should probably avoid reishi, including people taking other medications like anticoagulants or immunosuppressants (31).
SUMMARYReishi mushroom may cause minor side effects and has been linked to liver problems in some case studies. Some people should also avoid reishi, including those taking certain medications.
Reishi mushroom is a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine, which could help boost the immune system.
This fungus may also be able to decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer, as well as improve the quality of life for some people with cancer.
Most human research has shown that it does not improve cholesterol, blood sugar, or antioxidants, but it may be effective at reducing fatigue or depression in some cases.